Ofgem withdraws support for Cotswolds power lines undergrounding scheme

CPRE responds to Ofgem’s decision to withdraw support for a major scheme to underground power lines in the Cotswolds National Landscape. 

The Cotswolds Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project, led by National Grid, aimed to remove around 7km of overhead power lines crossing the Cotswold Plateau and running alongside the Cotswold Way. The scheme would have significantly reduced the visual impact of energy infrastructure in one of England’s most iconic and protected landscapes. 

The decision follows several years of consultation, despite strong public support for the project and its potential to enhance the natural beauty of the area. 

Responding to the decision, CPRE head of policy Paul Miner said: 

‘Ofgem’s decision ignores both public support for undergrounding power lines and its own duty to conserve and enhance protected landscapes.  

 ‘After almost five years of consultation and investment, today’s news represents a missed opportunity to improve one of the UK’s most iconic and well-loved landscapes – as well as a huge waste of public money.   

 ‘The new, greener energy infrastructure this country desperately needs will be with us for generations to come. Building it should not be a race to the bottom for the cheapest possible solutions.’    

A final decision will be taken after the consultation period. While the transition to cleaner energy is essential, it should not come at the expense of the countryside. Projects like this demonstrate how infrastructure can be delivered in a way that improves protected landscapes, rather than undermining them.